I shared this dresser on Facebook yesterday, stating that I would be painting it and I didn’t expect the freak-out that resulted.
I didn’t feel like I needed to defend myself or anything, but I wanted to explain why I was painting it to educate a little and to keep wood-lovers from losing sleep. Here was my reply…
“I had no idea I was going to cause such a stir with the dresser I posted a picture of yesterday! It’s now sanded and yes, ready to paint. Sorry! Here’s why –
1.) The wood grain on the top three drawers is lovely, but the bottom drawer looks a little strange, like it doesn’t belong.
2.) It has a very orange look about it and I don’t like orange wood.
3.) It’s a piece from the 1920’s at the earliest, so everyone can stop panicking about devaluing a high end antique. I’ve painted pieces from the 1800’s before with hand made dove-tails and have slept okay after doing it. This is a machine made piece that’s pretty, yes, but not some rare piece that needs to be appraised.
4.) When I try to sell pieces that I don’t paint, they don’t sell. People want to buy pieces that are “Mustard Seed” originals, so I look specifically for pieces I’m okay with painting.
5.) In my mind’s eye, this piece looks better painted.
I do appreciate the feedback and am not offended at all by those who wouldn’t paint this piece if it was in their possession. A difference in opinion is what makes the world go ’round and everyone was very polite. But, just relax. He’s in good hands and won’t be painted aqua.
Now, I bought the matching dresser and vanity, so if it pains you to see these pieces painted, you might want to look away for a few weeks…”
I do think it’s a common misconception that because I paint pieces, I’m not a wood lover. Quite the opposite. I only buy pieces that are made of 100% wood. I get excited over beautiful graining like bird’s eye maple and woods that has the glow of an amazing patina. I don’t paint pieces like that and, this might surprise you, but I have more unpainted pieces in my home than painted ones. Really.
I would never, ever paint a pristine antique if it would devalue the piece. I will paint pieces that I get from used furniture stores and thrift shops that need a little help (sometimes a lot) or that I know will look better once painted.
In the comments, a lot of people mentioned the furniture stripping fad in the 1970’s and I remember my mother-in-law telling me that when she was younger, it was the prevailing thought that painted furniture looked cheap. Obviously, we’re in a painting fad right now and I’m sure a decade or two down the road, people will be cursing DIY bloggers and Pinterst as they’re painstakingly stripping a piece. You know what, though? I’m okay with that and I might even join them if that’s the trend. But, I’m not going to make my decisions about what I paint or don’t paint on “what if’s” or “someone in the future might…”
So, if you’re waffling about painting a wood piece or not, here are some things to think about…
- Do you love the piece as it is? If you don’t, paint it.
- Do you want to paint it, but other people are talking you out of it? If so, paint it!
- How old and valuable is the piece? If we’re talking about a museum quality heirloom…don’t paint it.
My rule of thumb is – if I’m not 100% sure about painting it, I don’t. I can always paint it later when inspiration strikes, but I know I won’t want to strip it if I change my mind.
So where are you on the hot to-paint-or-not-to-paint issue?
Speaking of paint, yesterday I spent some time doing another MMSMP photo shoot. I usually take over my dining room, since the light is the prettiest in there and I make quite a mess of it.
I was shooting one of my new colors that will be release with Apron Strings (a coral) and Curio (a walnut brown) late this fall. Here it is…
(Note to self. Don’t wear a bright blue shirt on photo shoot days. See the reflection in the spoon handle?)
(I took this picture with my teeth. Really. It’s hard to be a hand model and the photographer at the same time. Just don’t ever ask to bother my shutter remote, because it’s been in my mouth!)
The color is called Trophy. It’s a warm gray that has a pewter/aged silver feel to it, but leans more “greige” than the blue-grays I usually go for. And, it looks a lot like the color of some of the old trophies in my home, hence the name.
Or like these tarnished umbrella handles…
Here’s how it looks (I’ll be painting a piece in it tomorrow, so this is just a preview)…
It was a hard color to photograph, because it kept looking more blue in the photos, but it’s definitely a gray, not a blue. I’m really excited about this color and how nice it’s going to be to mix with others as well as to use on its own.
So, while this is not the official unveiling of the color – say “hello” to Trophy!
Today, I’m headed out to do some shopping and to check out a personal ironstone collection that’s for sale! Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
94 Responses
Ooh i cannot wait for the trophy MMS paint colour to come out! I have tried all the other colours and this one might overtake artissimo as my favourite. As for painting furniture, not sure why you even feel the need to apologize/explain – its really a personal preference, no? I look at it like colouring my hair – I can always undo it (well unless my hair falls out!).
I think the piece causing all the controversy will be beautiful painted! I totally agree that it’s just not pretty enough to leave as-is. Everything Marian paints turns out great.
Ooooh lala! Looooove the new color!
I found it interesting that so many people got so fired up about you painting the dresser! But I do agree with your three points regarding whether or not you should paint a piece. And I think you have plenty of experience to know which pieces to paint and not.
Love the photos too, great job!
I myself would paint the dresser as well. I agree that the bottom drawer looks kind of funky compared to others. Everyone has their own style and can make their own choices without having people freak out on them. in fact, a good friend of mine painted some beautiful old woodwork in her house and had a lot of people that were really upset by it. but it looks beautiful now and she is happy and it is HER house, so that is all that matters! I am excited to see the finished product!!
I have to touch a piece before knowing whether I’d paint it. I have some similar vintage furniture in my possession. It’s lovely from a distance but light as a feather (not beautifully made) and it isn’t possible to refinish because of the veneer. So it’s going to be painted.
I agree with the other commenter, its personal preference. Its a hobby AND a big part of your livelihood. Please stop taking decorating/wood painting so seriously people!
I have to give you a high five on why you paint pieces that you find! Every response and reason to gave makes sense to me. I admire what you have accomplished and find your blog inspiring. Your painted furniture pieces are excellent!
Loving the look of trophy! x
Marian, I’m so glad you posted this. Your guidelines line up with exactly how I approach paint/don’t paint. Well articulated as always.
A mutual blog friend of ours who is a faux painter and does beautiful work has recently had very ugly comments on her FB page over painting wood. Her business is *based on* painting wood (and walls), so why would a person follow her page if that offends them?
“I took this picture with my teeth” cracked me up!! xoxo
Ha! I saw that discussion yesterday and opted not to chime in. I will never understand why people tell people like us ‘don’t paint it’ but I especially don’t understand them telling YOU – especially after seeing the work you do. I’m glad everyone was PG yesterday but sadly that’s not always the case. This piece will be amazing. No doubt about. Cannot wait to get my hands on Trophy!!
I love the new color. Gorgeous! Also I can’t wait to see what you do with the chest of drawers that everyone is squabbling about. Though I like wood pieces, I also like painted pieces and I believe that if something belongs to you, you have every right to do as you wish with it. Paint away!
I have been dreaming about painting my kitchen island MMS Linen or Grainsack for so long, but I have been worried about it. This post has inspired me to do it – despite what my mother might say.
Just a quick question about paining kitchen cabinets. Do you recommend using milk paint for kitchen cabinets if I sand them well? Also, what would you use to protect the finish?
Thanks!
Trophy looks to be the perfect greige! And about that paint hobby…
“Hi. My name is { the white chair} and I’m a paint addict, no remorse.” 🙂
Beautiful post!
It cracks me up that painting wood can be so controversial! Bottom line…it’s a personal decision FOR THE OWNER OF THE PIECE. Everyone else should MYOB! LOL! Seriously though, I paint furntiure at my store and I will not paint a beautiful antique if 1) it belongs TO ME, or 2) there is anyway to restore/revive it. However, I gladly paint for customers…their choice! Great response Marian! I love wood too but sometimes you just can’t save a piece so it becomes time to renew!
My husband can sometimes be anti-painting, even an oak tv console from the 80s (I know, I know)…..he’s like, it’s wood! and I’m like ‘it’s still wood, just better looking!’ after I paint it…we’re still married so it would seem there’s weightier issues out there in the world….
Thank you, Marian! I have been struggling with the decision to paint a giant walnut veneer wardrobe from the 20’s for months! The grain of the veneer is beautiful and I hated the idea of painting over it. The problem is that it’s so dark that it just sucks the light out of any room I put it in. My mother finally convinced me to paint it white and put it my baby’s nursery – in her words, “Miss Mustard Seed would paint it and when you saw it on her site you’d want it!”. It took a few weeks for me to finally take a paint brush to it. It still needs several more coats but the room looks so much brighter already! That wardrobe would have been relegated to the basement or sold on Craigslist for much less than it’s worth to me. Now I’ll see it every day in my baby’s room. Maybe one day years from now we’ll strip it back to the dark veneer together. 🙂
Keep doing what you do! I can’t wait to see the finished dresser! 🙂
Love that trophy color! On another note, are those the “Hemp” sheets in the photos?
AMEN on the painting! So much wood is boring. And I think that when people come into a house with a cute painted piece, they ooooh and aaaahh wishing they were brave enough to do the same!! Paint on my sister!
Hi Marian,
Antiques Dealer here chiming in with my two cents- You are correct about the date of said chest of drawers, likely no earlier than 1900. By about 1850 we’re seeing a transition from small craftsman run shops with one or two master cabinetmakers and a handful of apprentices to large furniture manufacturers who turned out furniture on a much grander scale. Pieces before this transition are generally more rare, valuable, and of a high level of quality. I encourage everyone to think hard about refinishing a piece that dates to before 1850. After 1850 it is certainly case by case, but pieces like the chest of drawers you’re painting are quite common. More likely than not, by painting this piece, giving it fresh appeal and a new home, you’re saving it from what could otherwise be a downward spiral into a wood pile.
Keep up the fantastic work! And if anyone’s interested, the trend towards painted objects is just as strong in the fine antiques field as in the furniture field at the moment. Painted is hot hot hot!
Thanks!
Kate
heirandspace.blogspot.com
I’ve been struggling with whether or not to paint a couple of Eastlake style headboards I have. One of them in in poor shape, so painting would improve it, but the other two I’m not so sure about. The finish (is it shellac? I don’t know.) chips off one of them whenever you touch it, and the other has a worn spot from where the grandfather of the previous owner sat in bed and read. They’re both walnut with some beautiful burl accents, but they’re so very dark and imposing. Hmmm. I wouldn’t call them “museum quality” but they are really nice. I’ve even thought about selling them as is to someone who might love them as they are, but no takers. Suggestions?
well i missed all the controversy prob a good thing. When I saw the dresser at 1st i did think maybe it was so pretty i prob wouldnt paint it but I guess you are such a good photographer you made it look better than it really was ha ha. Personally I am interested in what it will become when your done so go girl 😉
Gorgeous dresser, great find! I am on the paint it side. I too have more unpainted pieces than painted in my home but love what paint can do to a piece. I am painting two birds eye maple dresses that need a new look, the tops and some of the drawers are damaged.
Can’t wait to see it done in that beautiful color!
Marian, look into how to set up a timer with your camera. Should be in your manual somewhere. I did that with my D7000 when I want to take pictures of myself mixing bread dough.
Back in the day….for about 10 years, I refinished antique upright pianos. The work was all done by hand. Many times I was stripping off the painted 70’s applications. At that time I cursed the painters. Some of those piano’s looked much better painted. Especially those old mahogany tubs LOL. I am a wood lover, but only certain kinds. If you work with solid wood, and wood veneers long enough, you learn to tell the difference between what is special and what is just another large wooden albatross. Do what your eye loves !!
Forgot to comment on the dresser. I think it will look beautiful painted! I can’t wait to see it. I like the wood finish as it is as well but I also believe that we should do what we wish if it makes us happy (I am painting my 10-year old bedroom set with ASCP for the first time). The bed is in Old White. The side tables in Old White with Paris Grey drawers. I want to paint the dresser in Florence. My friend thinks I’m crazy for painting it and even crazier for painting it different colors but I’m moving forward hehe.
Those are gorgeous pieces Marian. I love painted furniture and when I first saw the dresser I thought the wood was really pretty too. Now that I’ve read the way you choose what pieces to paint it reaffirms my belief that you know what you’re doing. If you say you’re going to paint a piece I know it will be an improvement. Why are people so emo about painting stuff LOL. I love trophy, I have the perfect little project for it.
I think part of the problem people have with painting wood, is that color can be so confining. What I mean is that it’s so personal to an individual’s taste. Unpainted wood has a broader appeal and is more versatile in decorating. A blue or gray or red dresser is only going “to go” with a limited number of people’s home decor. While I might admire it on pinterest or a blog, it’s not something I would buy for my home. Resale is also very limited. A nice wood piece would always appeal to me and I know it would have a buyer if I decided to redecorate. Remember, even though it’s an early 20th century piece, it’s still getting close to a century of its life and they don’t make them like that anymore.
My husband usually disagrees with me when I paint anything wood. The truth is that most of this furniture, while lovely, was mass produced and so really is not extremely valuable. I’d rather paint something and be really happy with it, than keep it original and not be that crazy about it.
Oh I adore that dresser, and YES I would paint (most of) it!
I’m loving Trophy, and can’t wait to see it at 3 Oaks Studio here in Clovis…which reminds me, I still haven’t gone in to pick up your book – BAD ME! It’s funny, but when I went in to buy my first bag of MMSMP, the owner looked me up and down and asked me if I knew what I was getting into. I had to explain my project, why I chose MMSMP and how I learned how to use it before she felt ok about it. Made me laugh, and feel taken care of. One of these days I’ll get around to taking one of her classes – once she starts offering during non-working hours.
Thanks for sharing so much with us Marian!
I’m with you on the painting of wood..I would not paint a piece…just because it is wood. Some woods are ugly…and should be painted. A priceless antique? No, it shouldn’t be painted…but I’m highly doubtful I will ever own or want a priceless antique. We have a saying in my family, “if you stand still long enough…you will get painted”.
I can’t wait to use the new colour Apron Strings…(coral)…I have a blanket chest that is going to get “feminized”!
http://queenoftheisle.blogspot.ca/
My sisters were upset when I painted my mother’s solid maple (1960’s Colonial style) furniture that was left to me – but I tell them the “beautiful” wood is still underneath and whoever owns it next and strip it back if they want to!
I also am in agreement that this is all a personal choice. Your pieces are beautiful! I would encourage people to try the paint on a small piece such as picture frame. I was amazed how pretty is was and I had no prior experience using your milk paint. My husband and I live in a log home so to say we are “wood lovers” is an understatement, but there is nothing prettier than a Miss Mustard Seed Milk painted piece up against our log walls – the best of both worlds! I’m already thinking about what I can paint with your new colors. Trophy looks beautiful and I’m trying to think where could I use Apron Strings, it’s so different and so pretty. Thanks, Marian for all your inspiration and also for all the smiles (taking pictures with your teeth lol).
I think you touched on something when you referenced that your mother-in-law, in her younger years, said it was common thought that painted furniture looked cheap. I was raised with family who felt this way too, and married a man with this mindset. Telling my newly married husband we were painting the wood trim in our house white was a serious marital decorating struggle. And who can forget the avocado/gold/burnt orange/colonial blue faux antiquing kit craze of the 70’s! However, your pieces are beautifully painted – the colors simply lovely and always very tasteful. Paint on!
I gotta say these colors you are coming out with are A.M.A.Z.I.N.G
You go girl!!! I for one, was looking forward to the transformation. I like you, HATE orange wood! You should see my 1970’s kitchen cabinets – I can’t wait to get some paint onto them. And though trends come and go, if you look at European classic décor – there will ALWAYS be a place for well-painted furniture pieces. You don’t have any need to explain yourself. I adore your blog!! I get so much inspiration from you, and LOVE your book. We moved into a very brown dated house about a year ago, and I’m slowly getting to the décor, but I really appreciate being able to come to your blog and get inspiration.
Thanks,Marian!
Trophy is gorgeous! And the way you photographed it, stunning. While I’m at it, the umbrella handles…I die. As for the wood, I’m a painter, too. In fact, I have a piece in my bedroom that looks very much like yours, and feel it needs a little love. Paint love, that is. Well done!
I am a hopeless painted furniture lover. I was even back in the 70s. Of course, my husband thinks wood should be natural so I paint the less valuable items and we’re both happy. I love all the pieces of painted furniture you’ve shared with us and I’m sure this piece will be no exception. And I love your new color, Trophy. The names you pick are so perfect for the colors and are just so beautiful. Thanks for sharing all you do!
Glad you stood up for yourself, and although you didn’t have to defend yourself from he ‘wood-lovers”, just by writing about your stance on the subject, you can get feedback from people who are also in love with your craft and talent to take a piece of furniture and enhance it to allow it to grace a home for years to come, instead of being sent to the attic, or garage to sit out of sight, or even the trash. Granted, a gorgeous antique that shows off it’s aged patina in it’s natural state is probably better off left alone, but many of these older pieces are like the one you show, and painting your magic makes it a renewed piece and gives it a new life.
Can’t wait to see finished project. I don’t have a problem with painting wood at all!
Also, looking forward to Trophy and Apron Strings. Great colors!
I would probably say to your readers: If you have any questions about the piece you want to paint, ck. on line for value. Take a picture even though the dealer can not see the wood and condition and ask. If they feel you should not paint the piece, wait, sleep on it and then decide.
I have an old jar that was from NY chocolate co. I find the co on line and called them . The co is in their 3 rd. generation owned co since 1910. I told the guy about my jar, he told me I had a good find do not sell on e-bay. I told him I did not want to sell it , if I did not want it I would probably mail to your co .
My jar is 1918 made and used to sell cocoa in.
I have RARELY seen a piece of wood I didn’t want to slap some paint on!!! Your pieces are amazing!
Why did you sand the piece? How do you decide if a piece is to be sanded before Milk Painted?
Thanks!
I did have the thought that it was too pretty to paint, but since it’s not mine I don’t care. 🙂 I am in fact considering painting a desk my dad made out of cherry wood. I’m much more a pine/birch person, and I feel bad about painting it, but cherry just doesn’t work with my house and I’d like to use it instead of storing it.
Hi Missy,
I think this is sort of hysterically funny actually. I mean the painting furniture part anyway. Are these folks (that are complaining) new? And, regarding the spoon, I like the blue streak :).
Thanks as always for all you do!
I agree with you. I have pieces I’d never paint because the wood is too beautiful, but the painted pieces really compliment the natural wood pieces. I love the new color! Keep up the good work!
I love the new colour! Beautiful.
Marian, I can’t believe anyone would criticize you, of all people, for painting a piece of furniture. After all, that IS one of the main reasons we all frequent your blog. You’ve given me such inspiration and ideas for my own projects, and I can’t wait to see how this dresser turns out. I’m wondering how trophy would look mixed with dried lavender? What do you think?
I took an old curio cabinet it and repainted it. It was something from the 1970s…and while I do love real wood, I don’t like that dark icky brown color…so I had to lighten it up… 🙂 🙂 Your chalk paint is really beautiufl and I”m so curious to try some!!! Love and hugs from the ocean shores of California, Heather 🙂
I have a hard time painting wood and I’m the one usually stripping a painted piece to bring back the original wood color. That’s my personal taste. That said, I LOVE everything you have ever painted! I love looking at the photos of your painted pieces, I love watching the tutorials, I love pieces that other people painted using MMSMP. For some reason, the items I find at flea markets and antique malls work in my house the way they are. Someday I will most likely paint something. I have your Flow Blue and Antiquing wax ready to go. Just have to find that piece. Keep painting!
I actually like the piece as it is sanded! hahaha!! The moment you touch something Marian it looks better!! 🙂
I love the new paint color! My husband and I lean more towards the color grey to decorate with! Thanks for sharing!
I didn’t see the hullabaloo on Facebook but I am not surprised as I often get the same reaction when I want to paint wood. From my Mum especially. Good grief, that lady just can’t stand to paint some wood (even cheap ol’ pine)! ha ha. I am very much like you. If it is a quality piece of furniture or an antique and the wood is beautiful then I don’t paint. Orange toned woods are the first to go for me. Can’t stand them. I LOOOOVE painted pieces so no-one will be changing my mind anytime soon. Oh, and I adore this grey on so many levels. Just gorgeous!
Helloooooooo Trophy!!!!! Looks like a beautiful grey. Maybe I will try to use Milkpaint after all… Especially after the great how-to of your friend a little while back. Miss Mustardseed, please tell us you’ll be doing a second book full of tutorials and beautiful pictures!!! (After all, you have a great camera now). 🙂 I applaud you for standing firm in what you believe in. You are one of a kind and I love your courage and work! God bless.
I love this new colour, Trophy! I love greys and silvers, this is gorgeous. I can’t wait to see your first project with it. And can’t wait till my supplier has some in stock!
Debbie 🙂
I have a similar piece that was my grandmothers. It is a funky curio of sorts. I refinished it years ago (mid 80’s) because the stain/finish was a gradation technique and it had some inlays on the drawer that look similar to your dresser. I still don’t like it. It just might need a paint job. I am glad you gave all those reasons concerning painting a piece that is in good condition but think it would look better painted. Part of the problem is there are just too many colors to choose from. I have not used your milk paint yet, but have purchased some samplers. I have some frames and odd smaller piece I want to test it on before tackling my larger items. Thanks for all you do!
I love the new colors. Keep them coming! As for the to paint or not to paint question I am in your camp well said. I would like to add that there may be an old antique that is Bradley damaged. Depending on the fix, that will devalue the piece and let you paint away. With some of the techniques Abbe Doll is showing, that could really rock!
I’m glad you broke that down today. I’m glad you didn’t diss anybody who thinks contrary to you, you’re cool like that. Recently I read a post written by a prominent home blogger who prophesied the near end of the painted furniture fad.
That’s a loooooong fad, huh? How long has milk paint been around anyway? How old is Europe? Imagine Europe without the fad of painted furniture.
One thing I appreciate about the MMS blog us the appreciation of classic style. Tastefully stylized classic looks are what keep me coming back as a reader. Good taste is timeless.
Paint on young woman, paint on!
Love Trophy! Wish I could paint my kitchen cabinets in this, but they’re some kind of finish that cannot be painted – boo! We currently have the taupe-y browns/beige all over, but I’m so over it! As for painting woods, I agree with you. I don’t have any pieces that I could sell thru Sotheby’s, so why not paint if I hate the current look?
I admire your ability to see a piece and know how to work your paint magic!
I don’t paint furniture, usually, but have painted some mismatched kitchen/dining room chairs. They turned out rather well and a friend has claimed them. I keep looking at my MIL’s dining room suite, c.1935-6, but don’t think I’ll paint any of those pieces…8 chairs, table, side board and hutch, all made of maple…I think. Too lazy to get up and check, right now. The hutch and sideboard are *full* of dishes, all prior to 1950. Sheesh. It’s going to be a job to sell everything.
I really enjoy visiting your posts and seeing what you’re doing; have learned a lot and always appreciate the information and nice photos.
I adore Trophy! Think I just found the color for a beautiful wood chest I bought but haven’t painted yet because I couldn’t decide on a color. I haven’t used milk paint before and am excited to give it a try. When will Trophy be available?
I totally agree with everything you said about painting wood. Sometimes there is a time to paint and a time not to paint.
Thanks for clarifying the reasons to paint or not paint. This is good criteria to know, as I wonder when I look at items that are wood. Thanks for all you do!
Can milk paint be stripped later if applied to bare wood?
Ooooh! I love the new color! And the name is perfect! Can’t wait to see it on a piece, I’m leaning towards greys as we update our home? We have a lot of brown, and we’re kind of over it? Wonder how it would look on a kitchen island as an accent to white painted cabinets? My current cabinets are real wood, so there’s lots of possibilities!
……your a far better person than I….if people who view your blog don’t like what you do, I would tell them where to go, excuse me….and it is YOUR blog, YOUR furniture and YOU can do what YOU want !!!!!!
They’ll get over it! Isn’t that the reason we follow you and love your paint?! Looking forward to the finished piece AND your new colors! Please keep inspiring us and don’t let them bring you down!
I will admit when I first saw a picture of the piece in question my first thought was “beautiful, I’d buy it as is, but then, I don’t need it (actually I probably do come to think of it) and seeing in person always gives a better perspective than in a picture and I LOVE painted furniture. I have a couple of pieces I want to paint but haven’t had the nerve yet, because I’m afraid I’ll regret it later. I applaud your willingness to just be brave and paint wood furniture. Can’t wait to see the set when finished.
Definitely a piece to paint…and agree with all your thinking on it! Love the new color too. And I never thought about the shelf life of milk paint (from another post)…a very good point.
ride that wave girl! and enjoy the ride. i was a young homemaker in the 70s and painted my fair share but had pretty much the same requirements you set forth in this post. never regretted it and sure, i have sanded some of the same pieces down to redo in natural wood but i have enjoyed both. you can’t live for another era or person…you gotta’ dance while you still can 🙂 and personally, i think every room needs one painted piece and i work towards that end in a home filled with cherry, oak, mahagony and pine. they all get along just fine!
Beautiful color Marion! I have yet to try your paint. I usually use ASCP but I’m anxious to try yours… I love the colors!
Marian,
As an antique collector for 32 years and a dealer for 15 years I am so glad that you obviously know what you should not touch. There are some pieces that are so old and special, like dovetailed, single board top dresser in walnut with a beautiful patina etc that painting would take the value of the piece down drastically! I know not everyone is thinking about the value of a piece that they may never sell, but one really does need to be careful not to devalue a unique piece. I do not know of anyone who would want to take any piece of furniture worth $1000.00, and paint it, making it worth $200.00! I think the scarey thing here is that most people do not know the difference as you do. Again, however, if you own it, you can do what you want with it. I would just hate to see something valuable (and an old treasure) lost forever by loosing it’s original finish. Antique dealers nightmare! 🙂 The pieces here in your post are not valuable, and I would guess has a veneer over the wood. These pieces are readily available and inexpensive.
Blessings
Plenty of people painted their walls in suede effect back in 2000, they are now sanding it off and doing something else. The joy of paint, go with what you love at the time and change it when you don’t love it anymore. It’s better than spending the last ten years in beige.
I could not agree with you more!
you said everything that needed to be said and you said it well now,PLEASE put some more stuff like grain sacks glitter preserved boxwood in your online shop while I have some money lol …susan
Now I’m excited, Trophy’s my color. That will go better with my decor. Oh, by the way, I have no problems staining or painting furniture. I totally agree with you.
Trophy looks amazing! And I say good for you painting pieces as you see fit! 😉
I don’t usually comment on your blog for there’s so many before me and you’ve been super busy so I read and get inspired and read on. But I do want to speak out. I do not read a paint developers site to read about antiques. I want to see how to use your product in new ways. The less chippy look is more me so I’m following who has the paint near me, your tutorials, samples and so on. I actually think if you began talking about how to decide if I should or should not paint my piece I’d lose interest for my Mom redid her Grandmother ‘s washstand in the 60’s with a kit called an antiquing kit. It was the rage. It gave an old piece new life. My mom took the towel rack off and their extra TV and household handy tools were in it plus games we often played and a couple of her old teaching books. It has been in that corner over 40 years so the antiquing job is an antique!! Mom is 95 and she got something new painted locally in her town just the right size all wood bookcase done with your product. She said she’s glad the young people aren’t throwing out the old furniture but making it new, to fit them and give the old new life! And this is coming from someone who is over 95. Her washstand oh my her grandma died when she was one so its very old. But think of all the use we’ve had and grown to love it anew. We daughters all have reprinted, stained, created new finishes with paint and stains before your paint made it fun and new. Please don’t change your painting posts. Many of us haven’t gotten on the bandwagon yet and like your tutorials and new colors being shown. Thank you!!!
Keep painting!! I am also in the “for” group and love the look that paint can give to pieces…adding extra character and personal charm. I too am a sucker for your new color Trophy. I just may need to paint my kitchen table in it! Can’t wait to see your finished piece!!!
What I’ve always found interesting about people who oppose painting ‘real wood’ – umm, hello! somehow the words combined ‘real’ and ‘wood’ make the difference… rather than faux wood.
It is mostly men who do not want to paint over the wood – women see an artistic side of the painting re-vamping.
If the ‘wood’ {real or otherwise} has not been cared for well over the years, it likely needs a bit of makeup – a’ka paint. It’s OK – we don’t do the piece any justice if it has great bones and it’s left in a withered up state.
I’m looking forward to seeing the finished piece.
can´t wait to see Trophy at your retailers`! i love the rich grey and hope that there is alittle bit of blue in it anyway….
have a nice weekend!
BRAVO MMS, BRAVO =))
I don’t think Mustard Seed pieces will ever go “out of style” 🙂
I have been stripping doors and cabinets like a crazy woman (I blame the fabulous Citristrip). My intent was to paint. But I’m getting down to such gorgeous wood, staining it is all I can do. I finally picked up two1880s pieces whose shapes I love, but they’re in such bad shape, I MUST paint. Restructure, reglue, reattach, paint.
I’d rather see generations painting a piece than one, such as the wash stand mentioned above, used, loved, painted and thown away. If one can see the beauty underneath, one can see a place for it in their home. If sold, it’s always wonderful to have the history to go with it.
My words to those reading a PAINT site? If you don’t like what you see, change the channel.
There is a reason that furniture is referred to as “depression era” and not just because it was manufactured in the 1930’s. It is the most depressing, ugly style ever. Hiwever, it is real wood and has adorable lines and legs. . .potential. I can’t wait to see it painted!
I just love you! That’s all. 🙂
Marian,
There are many furniture pieces that are not improved with an artistic paint job. My mom used to say it is a good thing we don’t all love the same things.
The last furniture I painted was a coffee table and 2 end tables. The three piece set was 9o% off. The tables were solid, orangey, cherry finish on pine. Too dark for a sunroom, perfect painted to go with the love seats. No one has said they would look better stained…..not yet:)
Keep doing paint on pieces that are needing help to be love again.
Rick
Sorry, should reread before posting S/B There are many furniture pieces that ARE improved with an artistic paint job. Rick
did I miss it somehow? when exactly is this Trophy coming out? need some ASAP!
Its’ coming out in October…
Yes, paint!!!!!! I love your pieces and can hardly wait until October to try the Apron String and Trophy!!!!!! Love Muss Mustard Seed!
I’m sooo glad you’re painting the dresser! I’ve seen people who paint really nice furniture and ruin it…but paint is the thing right now! And wood is forgiving…paint can come off! I’m proud of you!
I always love your painted pieces. I recently painted a small table that my Dad had built in Junior High, so it was very sentimental and probably at least 80 years old. But it looks wonderful and infinitely better. I love re-purposing things. I painted our old swinging shutter doors and put them together as a headboard, when my huge china hutch would not sell, I painted the top half and put it outside on our deck and it looks fabulous. The bottom half went in my office for a lovely storage cabinet and counter for the copier. After saving my oldest son’s childhood nursery dresser I’ve MMS’d it and it is white, with blue drawers and I left the top wood with a waxed finish. Everyone loves it. You are very inspiring and a wonderful motivator. After I’ve been out thrifting, I come home and see what you have been buying as well. It’s fun!
Loved getting to play with the 3 new colors at our recent retailers training! Trophy is a fabulous addition to the line. Our customers are going to love it!
Hey Marian… I just love this new colour and I am super excited to see this dresser completed. Way back when you first introduced Lucketts Green I immediately purchased it to do my two dressers that are retro… one is definitely waterfall and the other… well, kinda like the one you have here.
Now… I’m rethinking doing them green… only because of this new colour. Yeah! so hard to pick.
Anyway… my real question is “when do you decide to sand?”
I thought your paint didn’t require sanding if you use the bonding agent. Please help
I love the new trophy color. I just keep salivating at all your pretty colors!
Blue is one of my least favorite colors, so I was glad to see your comment that Trophy is gray, despite the illusions in the photos.
As for not liking “orangey wood,” a hearty amen to that. And I have it ALL THROUGH M Y HOUSE. All our woodwork is orangey-looking oak stain, and my husband forbids me to paint it because — you guess it — it’s quality wood, not “the crap” they use nowadays.
It would be labor intensive, but I’m considering now STRIPPING it (based on your posts) and restaining it the dark walnut.
Possibility…